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International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that Knute Knudson, Jr. Vice President of Global Business Development and Tribal Ambassador, will be inducted into the American Gaming Association's (AGA) Gaming Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2021. Knudson will be honored on October 5 at the AGA's Chairman's Reception during the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, Nev.
Induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame is the highest honor accorded by the gaming industry. Each year, two or more individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions receive this honor. Gaming Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming leaders.
"Knute's dedicated support and committed advocacy of tribal gaming expansion and sustained health and well-being of Indian country are unmatched in our industry," said Renato Ascoli, IGT CEO, Global Gaming. "Knute is a true champion of tribal gaming—a constant source of knowledge, guidance, and support to hundreds of tribes throughout his lengthy career. IGT is incredibly proud that Knute's impact as a strategic partner and dedicated friend to Indian Country is being recognized with an induction into the AGA's Gaming Hall of Fame."
"I am distinctly honored and thrilled to be accepted into this esteemed group of AGA Gaming Hall of Fame honorees," said Knudson . "The advancement of Indian gaming, tribal self-sufficiency, and, importantly, Tribal Sovereignty has been my life's work, and my success is intricately tied to Indian people who have trusted me to advance their causes and expand gaming opportunities on their behalf. I am grateful for their confidence, partnerships and friendships and thank IGT for its continued support."
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About Knute Knudson, Jr.
Knudson has been an advocate and proponent of Indian gaming for three decades. As Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of the Interior from 1989 to 1993, Knudson led efforts to implement the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, working on compacts, trust applications, and National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGA) appointments.
After joining Sodak Gaming, Knudson played an integral role in securing economic self-sufficiency for Indian Country throughout the 1990s, financing more than $1.5 billion in equipment and systems sales to tribes looking to start gaming businesses. Knudson authored "Getting Started in Indian Gaming" which became a blueprint for the first decade of tribal gaming startups.
Knudson testified in front of Congress, state legislatures, and regulators as an advocate of tribal gaming, constantly navigating the complexities of policy and practice to identify and address the needs of Indian people and culture. In the early 1990s, Knudson successfully presented the case to the Department of the Interior and NIGA that linked Wide Area Progressive games were permissible under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This led to the launch of the Native American Progressive System (NAPS) in 1994.
Today, Knudson continues to advance the interests of tribal gaming growth, Sovereignty, and prosperity. His work for IGT brings the latest technology, branded content, and proven core games to tribes to grow casino revenues and strengthen tribal self-sufficiency and economic independence.
Knute has been honored by dozens of tribal governments and associations and, in 2018, he was honored with NIGA's Lifetime Achievement Award.
About IGT
IGT (NYSE: IGT ) is the global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com .
Contact:
Phil O'Shaughnessy , Global Communications, toll free in U.S./ Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./ Canada +1 (401) 392-7452
Francesco Luti , +39 3485475493; for Italian media inquiries
James Hurley , Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190
© 2021 IGT
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SOURCE International Game Technology PLC
